Pretty sure I recently read that Wahoo's Fish Tacos was closing at Fashion Island but I just got this press release saying they are coming back, or, more accurately, just moving to a bigger spot there (UPDATE: found out it was never anything but a relocation and rumors that Wahoo's there was "closing down" were unfounded):
FIVE RESTAURANTS OPENING IN FASHION ISLAND’S ATRIUM CAFES
New Wahoo's Flagship Will Feature First Bar in California
Newport Beach, California, March 4, 2011 – Fashion Island has announced that five casual restaurants will open or relocate to the Atrium Cafés this spring and summer. The new eateries will include a flagship location for the popular Wahoo’s Fish Taco, which will become the company's largest restaurant and feature a full bar.
The new Wahoo's, which will occupy a 4,500 sq. ft. space with indoor and outdoor seating, is fifty percent larger than its existing location upstairs near the Edwards Island Cinemas. The restaurant, which opens this summer, will also boast a patio overlooking the beautiful Atrium Court Garden with a 24 ft. water wall, as well as the first Wahoo's bar in California, offering favorite cocktails from Margaritas and Bloody Marys to wine and beer on tap.
Wahoo's is known for its fusion menu with Mexican, Brazilian and Asian influences. There are a variety of grilled meat, fish or veggie tacos, burritos, enchiladas and salads, all which can be accompanied with ahi rice and mild or spicy beans.
Hana Grill, featuring Japanese cuisine, recently opened in the Atrium Cafés. Hana Grill serves a variety of Teriyaki Bowls, Sushi Rolls, and Combinations served with a choice of mixed vegetables or market salad, steamed rice and miso soup. Many menu items are prepared to order on a teppan grill in front of the customer. Specialty dishes include Teriyaki Chicken Bowl and Teppan Yaki as well as sushi rolls.
Slated to open this spring is Stone Oven, which will serve gourmet sandwiches made with flatbread baked fresh on the premises, along with fresh tossed salads. An assortment of sandwiches will include Garden Vegetable, Spicy Chicken, BBQ Beef Brisket, Santa Fe Hot Ham and more. The salad selection will include Asian Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Walnut & Green Apple, Southwest Chicken Caesar, and others.
Also opening in the Atrium Cafés is Subway, which will relocate from its current space in the spring. Subway, the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, has made "Eat Fresh" a way of life for millions of customers by offering submarine sandwiches made fresh to order. The casual restaurant also offers catering with Party Subs, Party Platters, Cookie Trays and Lunch Boxes. Subway, along with Wahoo's, is currently located by Edwards Island Cinemas, which recently closed for a remodel, and will reopen for the Christmas 2011 movie season.
Also opening this summer is Sbarro Fresh Italian Cooking, known for its fresh and authentic Italian fare, including homemade pizza, pasta, salads and other authentic Italian entrees. The casual restaurant uses homemade mozzarella, imported cheese, and delicious sausage and salami.
As Orange County's premier coastal shopping and dining experience, Fashion Island features specialty boutiques, world-class department stores and a wide assortment of restaurants and cafes. Visited by more than 13 million people annually, Fashion Island offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that is distinctively Southern California.
Owned by Irvine Company, Fashion Island is home to Orange County's only Neiman Marcus, as well as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's Home Store and Macy's. For more information, please visit www.ShopFashionIsland.com.
